Special Olympics

I have not posted any information in a while. I thought I would take a minute and write about my week this next week. I have signed my kids up in class to participate in Special Olympics. This is such a great program. When I was at Harding, I helped with it one year. It is an experience that is unlike anything else. The participants all have major struggles, but they have a spirit unlike anything I have witnessed. It is truly a blessing to participate. If you ever get a chance, do it.

Anyway, we are all participating. The kids are so excited. Now none of them can actually go to regionals this year because of their age, but next year they can. They have never done any kind of sport, so they are very excited. Here is the funny part, I am their coach. Yes, me. The non-athletic, 16 weeks pregnant woman is their coach. I guess it is a good thing that they aren't really competing. We go this Friday. I will let you all know how it turns out. I might decided I was crazy to do this. I doubt it, though!

Finally better

Okay. finally at almost 15 weeks, my morning/night sickness is basically gone! I am so glad. I was tired of being sick every night. Also, I am on my last week of regular pants. Today, I managed to squeeze into my regular pants. I told Brad I think this will be the last time I will be able to do that. I guess it is about time to start showing some. I did not show at all until I was 5 months with Todd. Everyone told me to expect it to come sooner this time. Oh, well, at least I know the baby is growing!

Huge Nightmare!

Let me just start this off and say that this has nothing to do with our unborn child!

I will tell you how the last 24 hours has been for me. Last night, we were expected to get some severe storms. I had followed the weather and knew the approximate time they would arrive. Just like clock work, Todd popped into our room at that time (1:00 ish). There was no way he was returning to bed. Brad left the bed and let Todd in. We had gotten home late because Brad had a flat tire (another good story for the last 24 hours) and so we had not given Todd his Zyrtec. He snored, coughed, and sputtered all night. On top of that, he slept right up next to me. Needless to say, sleep did not happen last night.

After no sleep, I woke up to see how the weather was going to be the remainder of the day. I saw bad storms expected around 10:30. I prepared for the worst and headed to school. During reading, we had a practice tornado drill because we missed it yesterday. We got in our spot in the hallway. 2-3 minutes later, we were back to the letter L. I got 3 picture identified and discussed when we hear this message, "Students, all faculty, and staff, this is a tornado drill." The kids moaned and we were not happy either. This time, we had to go to the 5th grade boy's bathroom. It doesn't get any nastier than that. We had our kids down basically sniffing nasty floors. The drill got longer and longer so we moved out of the bathroom. Finally, we realized that not far from the school, their was a tornado touchdown. Now, keep in mind, the kids think this is practice. As the time goes on, they are getting mad. They are complaining that they hurt. Finally, they told the 5th grade down our hall that it was real. After about 1 hour and 15 minutes, we were allowed to return to class. We missed our lunch schedules and most importantly, my kids missed their playtime. As you can imagine, we did not get anything accomplished the remainder of the day!

So, Jeni, it was taken very seriously. I know that both the principal and the assistant principal were outside watching the storms because we lost contact with central office. We all made it fine, but it was not fun! The funny thing is my poor kids thought it was just a long drill. When I asked Todd, he said he didn't like it because his legs hurt and "I was beginning to think it was a real tornado or something". Some of the Kindergarten even went to sleep!

Happy Birthday 1 day late

Yesterday was Erika's birthday. I know I am one day late but was very sick yesterday. I posted pictures on Rebecca's birthday back in October. I decided to gather past memories for Erika, too. Looking for these pictures is always so much fun. I hope all of my high school friends enjoy!

I love the yellow ball in Rebecca's hair!

Our powder puff game our Senior year. That was a lot of fun! It is a little hard to recognize us.

Some of us dressed up for Jr/Sr. This was our JR. year. Didn't we all look so young!

Erika, happy birthday. Although we are older and have gone our separate ways, I still remember all of the good times we shared! I pray that you have a wonderful year this year!

Various Happenings

I have been so busy the last week. I will try to update.

1). We started soccer this past week. Todd loves it because he is crazy about running. He says he wants to be a runner when he grows up. Let me just say, he DID NOT get that from me. I hate running. Walking, swimming, lifting weights.. those I like. Never would I choose to run. Anyway, he loves it and it is church based so it is not as competitive. It is also much shorter seasons and games than T-ball.

2). I had a 12 week appointment yesterday. Went in thinking quick and left 2 hours later. They went to listen to the heartbeat and could not find it. Yes, you read that right. They poked and pushed and could not get it. Also, my blood pressure was up a lot. Mine is usually on the verge of too low. See next point to see why it was high. Anyway, after much poking, they told me they could not get it and I would have to have an ultrasound. This time they sent me downstairs, which is the high risk doctors office. Surprisingly, I stayed calm. I filled all of their paperwork out and waited. Keep in mind, I was alone because Brad can't take off once a month for an appointment that should take 5 minutes. After what seemed like an hour, they called me back. They got their "big dog ultrasound equipment" out. I was watching and got nervous because I did not see the "flutter of the heart". Finally, I asked her if their was a heartbeat. She said their was and it looked great. But, let me just say, it was moving like crazy. Oh, great Todd is active enough. This will probably be constantly on the move! All checked out fine. They were having trouble because my placenta was in the front, which is fine. This makes them pick up my heartbeat instead of baby's. What a relief!!!

3). Now the explanation on the blood pressure. I cannot give any details, but work has been stressful! There has been a lot of things going on that is wearing me out. Please keep me in your prayers. This has been the most stress my job has EVER given me and I have dealt with a lot. Just keep me in your prayers!

4). Still sick as a dog from pregnancy! I am hoping it ends soon. I am 13 weeks tomorrow!!! This has got to end!

Well, that about wraps it up. Maybe I can get less busy and not have to write a marathon blog to catch people up!

Prayer

Many of my high school friends will remember Eddie Carson. He graduated 2 years before we did and was very close to my family. He spent a lot of time with them. My husband and brother are in a fantasy football leage that began in college. Eddie is part of that league. We found out today that he has a brain tumor or mass that will hae to be removed tomorrow (Wed). Please pray that he comes out of the surgery safely and they are able to remove it all. He is currently in ICU in Texas. Thanks for your prayers!

Donkey Race

I have to share this because it is so funny! Yesterday in Todd's Bible class, they were talking about Jesus traveling on a donkey. So, in class, they were going to have donkey races. Todd, being one of the biggest kids was going to be one of the donkeys. Todd got down on all fours and a little girl, a good friend of his and the preacher's daughter, got on his back. I am not sure how many were racing at one time, but it was obviously a competition to Todd. Evidently, as he was racing around a curve, his hands went out from under him and he slid nose-first on the carpet. He now has a carpet burn on the bridge of his nose and his forehead. Good news, though: He won the next race! I just wished I could have seen these races!

Breathe by Michael W. Smith

Brad is beginning a series witht he teens on believing in God and atheism. He handed out a 1 question survey to them yesterday. It simply asked where their faith was right now. The choices were:
1) My faith has been tested and I see him working in my life.
2). My faith has been tested but I am do not see him working in my life.
3). I am not sure if God exists or if I believe in him.
4). I do not believe in God.

This got me to thinking. Without a doubt, I could answer #1 today. Not to say that my spiritual life is perfect, but that I know he works in my life. There are times when I have trouble seeing it because of my own sin or distractions, but I know he is there.

However, as a teen, what would my answer have been? I know I believed in God but did I think he worked in my life? I do not know that I would have thought that. Would I have even had a handle of what that truly means? I do not think I would have understood that.

I think spiritual depth comes through experiences. No, they do not all hav eto be bad ones. Unfortunately, I tend to learn more from the valleys than the mountain peaks. I guess it is because we have to be desperate. Have you ever felt that desperation for something. Dying for chocolate, dying for a drink or food, dying to see a family member. How often are we dying to spend time with our God? How often are we "desperate for Him"?

I am reminded of an old song by Michael W Smith. I love this song! This is what I desire: to be desperate for Him. I have come along way, but I have a long way to go. I pray that we all can be that desperate for Him!

Beginning of Spring Break?

Okay, this weekend begins our 2 week Spring Break. I thought this was too early for a spring break and our weather is a big proof that I was correct. This morning, we woke up to snow covered ground. This is the most snow we have had in 5 years. Here are some pictures from our fun in the snow!

Todd with a big snowball! We made lots of these today! I love snowball fights!

Us and the snowman family. The snow would not cooperate in making a good ball. Todd was convinced that we needed to make all of us. Therfore, we resorted to bowls to speed up the process. That is why our snowmen look a little odd. We also were out of carrots so we used Fruit Loop drinking straws!
I added this picture because of the meaning behind it. If you look closely, behind the middle snowman (Me), you will see a tiny snowman with little stick arms. This is our baby snowman. Todd wanted to add it but we can't see it so we had to put it behind me. He was so excited about that addition!

Finally

We told Todd this morning about the baby. His response was priceless. His first response was "Really?" The he looks down and is confused. We showed him a picture, which looks like a peanut, and says, I don't see it. Then, he throws his arms up in the air and says, "Finally, it is our turn to have a baby"! He has talked about it all day. He says he wants a brother but refers to it as a she if he is not thinking about it. He will be so great with a baby. He can't wait to find out what it is!

Sigh, the sound of relief

Okay, many of you have read or know that we had an ultrasound today. Yesterday, we went and they could not hear the heartbeat but thought things were fine. Since I will have a repeat c-section, they have to know an exact fetal age. Therefore, an ultrasound within the next couple of weeks was needed. Well, me, the impatient one, had to know that this one was okay. I went to get the ultrasound and we have a peanut with a heartbeat of 171!!! We are very pleased and thankful. As always, please continue to pray for a health little one! Actual due date is October 15th. It will probably be taken before then. God is good!! Thanks for your prayers and concerns! By the way, we will tell Todd soon. Now I have to go to parent/teacher conferences! I will be there from 4-7 and I think only 1 parent is coming!!

Tagged

I was tagged by my friend Kristin. Here are my answers.

What I was doing 10 years ago: I was living in Arkansas going to school at Harding. I had almost been married 1 year. Yes, I was very young when I got married!! My life was very uncomplicated then.

5 Things on my To Do List today: It has already been a busy morning! I had to get Todd off to school. I had to go copy sheets for school since I am gone today. I have to return a few things to Target. I have to get an ultrasound. Go pick Todd up from my mom's this afternoon and do laundry.

Snacks I Enjoy: I enjoy cheese and crackers. I also like fruit when it is season. Ice cream is always good, too.

Things I would do if I were a Billionaire: If I were to have that kind of money, I would use a small portion to buy a bigger house and a truck for Brad. The rest I would give away. I have always wanted to fund and run a school for special education students that could be little or no cost for the families. I also think a lot of St. Jude's. I would have fun giving it away!

3 of my Bad Habits: Worrying: I am working on that. Back-seat driver, and procrastinating

5 places I have lived: Okay, this list is crazy. Just for your entertainment I will list them all! Montgomery, AL (2 diff. times), Nashville, TN (2 different times but 4 houses), Dallas, Texas (1 time), Searcy, Arkansas (1 time but 3 houses), Atlanta Georgia (1 time), Ponca City, Ok (1 time but 2 houses). Yes, I hate to move now!!!!

5 Jobs I have had: Q-Zar party coordinator, day care worker, babysitter, special education teacher, personal tutor, and stay-at-home mom!


Well, there you have it. I think most of my friends that will do this have been tagged, but I will tag Jeni. I am sure she will do it. If anyone else wants to do it, go for it and leave a message so I will know to read it.

Out Again

Yes, we got another day off of school due to snow. We have not any real good snows just enough to make the schools cancel. As you can imagine, Todd is VERY upset when we have too miss school! (Yes, I am being sarcastic). I am glad we were out because our absentees have been crazy this week. I have 7 in my class and the past 2 days I only had 3 and it was not the same 3. We have the flu, a stomach virus, and strep going around. I hope to stay clear of that.

On anther note, I go to the Dr. a week from today. I am very nervous and excited all balled into one. I have not had any bleeding thus far. I am hopeful that all is well. Please continue to keep me in your prayers. Oh, and yes, I have been very sick!

Well, that's all for now. I am going to go curl up while Todd plays the Wii!

In Christ Alone Worship Video with Lyrics

Many of you probably know this song. I have loved this song since I first heard it. However, when you hear nearly 7,000 people sing it, it is so convicting. If you have never heard this song, listen to it. It is even better acapella but I could not find a version of it. May we live our lives as if He really commands our destiny! May we stand arm and arm and make a stand for our Lord and Savior!

Winterfest

I just got back from a wonderful trip. I went to Winterfest in Gatlinburg, TN. For those of my high school friends, you will remember these trips. I always enjoyed going as a teen. As an adult, I enjoy it even more. I always look forward to the worship time. This is my 2nd year as a chaperone and I love it! Jeff Walling was the speaker and Jerome Williams led the worship. WOW!! It was amazing. I always coem back with a fresh perspective and the teens are on fire for the Lord after this trip. We took 65 people and it was a great weekend. We had no discipline issue and we had 2 baptisms.

As I sat during one of the services, I sat back and thought about how encouraging it was to see that many teens fired-up for the Lord. It then made me reflect on what heaven will be like. In our service, we had 6,000 people. The other service had just as many. The sound of the song service was amazing. Oh, it makes me long for the day when that is what my eternal life will be. I hope that Winterfest still exist when Todd is in school so that he can experience that feeling of pure joy worshipping our Father.

Valentine Gift

Last year, I got my mom a necklace by a company called Pandora. It is like a modern charm bracelet concept. You buy a chain and add different beads. I talked to my brother and dad and they went in on it too. We all picked out charms that reminded us of mom.

I loved the concept of these necklaces but did not get one for myself. However, after the miscarriage, I went and bought myself one. I bought a ring of hearts, a little boy, and the charm pictured in this post, Angel of Hope. Ever since then, for any occasion, Brad and Todd pick out charms for me. I love seeing what they pick out. Usually it is Todd's choices with Daddy's leading. It has become so exciting to see what I will add next. This holiday they got me a strawberry, a heart with a pink stone, and a rose. Some day I will have to post a picture of the necklace. It is so much fun to add to and I get comments on it a lot! I hope all of you have a great Valentine's Day, too!

Believe

I debated back and forth whether to post this information. However, I decided the prayers would comfort me. Brad and I just found out that we are expecting a baby! I am just over 4 weeks so it is very early. I am excited but scared. As you all know, back in August we lost a baby girl. I know that God is in control and I want him to be. However, in my mind, I do not want to endure a heartbreak again. Please keep us in your prayers. I will go to the Dr. on March 5th I believe. (Good sign that I can't remember and I just made it on Tues. :) Last time, we had already had the miscarriage by that time. Please keep us and this baby in mind. If you live around here, Todd DOES NOT know. We will tell him after that visit if things are ok. Please do not say anything around him. He is very in tune to adult's conversations. I know that God will protect us. I know He has a plan. I also know as painful as the miscarriage was, He is the one that sees the final plan. I have to believe that His will will be done! God is good and He is faithful. Though we do not understand His ways at times, He is the only way I want to go!

Happiness

I have a little girl that I teach that I think is precious. She comes in EVERY day smiling and leaves EVERY day smiling. She has a bounce in her step when she walks. She thinks I am the greatest. She has become my "side kick" according to many teachers because she is with me a lot. She is a hard worker and is just pleasant to be around. Her innocence is refreshing. She has struggles but at this point, she doesn't know it.



Secretly, I wish I was like that! I wished I was happy all of the time. I wished I had a bounce in my step and an innocence that was so appealing. I was thinking about this and then I realized that I should be that way. Christ came to this Earth and died for me! Why am I not that happy. Why do I not tell everyone how great my "Teacher" is? Perhaps, if I felt that way about my "Teacher", I would be that happy. So, I am going to strive to have my student's outlook on life! I will bet that I will be that happy, too!

Evolution of Dance

My friend, Jeni, posted this to her website. I thought it was so funny that I would post it on mine. I needed a lighter post! Hope you enjoy it. My favorites from my childhood were 1).Vanilla Ice (I use to do gymnastics routines to it!)
2). The Brady song. Yeah, real sad that I use to know that whole routine.
3). Michael Jackson- I till have the record. Boy, that sounds old!

So, which one brings back good or bad memories for you?

Every Saturday

As you know, it was 2 weeks ago today (Saturday) that I received a phone call that a dear friend of mine had passed away at the age of 33. This has been a difficult situation. It is case like this that we have to have faith that God knows best and that He is the ultimate authority in our lives. I know all of this to be true, but still occurrences like this take a part of your security and comfort. It makes you realize that we are only here temporarily and that this world is not our home. It makes us realize even more that we do not think in God's time.

As I was driving somewhere the other day, I heard a christian song I had never heard. I listen to this genre almost exclusively and had never heard this song. I assumed it was a new release. No, it isn't but the timing for me could not have been better. I have clung to the words of this song since the day I heard it. I have posted a link to hear it, but I am including the words.

As I read the words, I am reminded on many times in my life I was barely hanging on and felt so empty. During those times, I had to know that God was in control and believe in Him. I hope you all can get something from this song, as well. I am sure we all have had times that we were trying to "figure God out". I am also sure we have had times where we blamed God for our pain or question Him. This song sums up some of those thoughts for me. I hope you enjoy.

Every Saturday by Seventh Day Slumber


Saturdays have never been the same
And I still can't believe you're gone
So many things I wish that I could say
I guess the hardest part of moving on
Are these memories that have overtaken me
Once again I'm right here on my knees

I'm barely hanging on
With all these empty feelings
I'm hurting in so many ways
And though I can't begin to understand the reason
I still believe that you're GOD

Saturdays have never been the same
That moment keeps repeating in my mind
The ringing phone
A call that changed my world
An emptiness that words cannot define
All these memories have overtaken me
So once again I fall upon my knees

And as you cried I cried with you
I'll never leave
I'll carry you through
Can't you see that I was always there?
These ashes of pain will fade

I'm barely hanging on
With all these empty feelings
I'm hurting in so many ways
And though I can't begin to understand the reason
I still believe that you're GOD
I'm barely hanging on
With all these empty feelings
I'm hurting in so many ways
And though I can't begin to understand the reason
I still believe that you're GOD


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xqz3XYGQHwY- Here is the link to the song if you want to hear it.